Dr Lauren Parry

Biography

I am a Physical Geographer with an interest in peatlands and organic soils.

My current research focusses on the development and dynamics of peatland systems, with two recent projects including:

Validating a transformative remote sensing method for measuring the vertical motion of peatland, which is a powerful indication of peat soil condition. This is funded by NERC and in collaboration with the Universities of Nottingham and Highlands and Islands

Combining understanding of the processes of peatland development with geostatistical approaches to develop a novel approach for predicting peat depth. Funded by EPSRC and collaborating with Statistics at the University of Glasgow

I completed a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project at the University of Leeds from 2011-2014. This involved developing and adapting geophysical techniques (predominantly Ground Penetrating Radar) to create catchment scale surveys of the peatland environment with a moorland restoration company.

I also held a research fellowship at the University of Leeds, where I was involved in multiple moorland restoration and management research projects. I designed, delivered and wrote up a variety of projects which estimated landscape scale carbon flux, using both remote sensing and field measurements, and understanding production of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) under burn management.

I was awarded a PhD from the University of Exeter in 2011. My thesis considered the sustainable carbon management of moorlands and achieved two primary aims:

To quantify and map the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in blanket peatlands

To assess how long-term land management and peatland degradation impacts upon peatland carbon sequestration

The diverse nature of this PhD enabled me to develop a broad range of skills and specialisms, including surveying, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), radionuclide dating of recently accumulated peat and spatial modelling. My PhD research was sponsored by the National Trust, Dartmoor National Park Authority, the Duchy of Cornwall and Natural England.

I enjoyed seeing the outputs of my research being used in the real world and as a result I have developed a great enthusiasm for applied research and knowledge exchange.

Research interests

Environmental change and land-use impact upon the development and functioning of peatlands.

Grants

NERC. Soil Security Programme. InSAR as a Tool to evaluate Peatland Sensitivity to global change. £234,546. Co-I. with Dr David Large (PI, University of Nottingham), Dr Roxanne Anderson (Co-I, University of Highlands and Islands) and Prof. Stuart Marsh (Co-I, University of Nottingham).